Falcons performance against New Zealand thrills fans

The Super Falcons wrapped up their Turkey exhibition in style with an impressive 3-0 win over New Zealand on Tuesday at Mardan Sports Complex in Antalya, Turkey much to the delights of fans, who took to Twitter to hail the team.

The Nigeria senior women’s national team made it three consecutive wins after snapping out of their seven-match winless run to continue their preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup scheduled to hold from July 20 to August 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

Following an underwhelming performance at the maiden Revelation Cup in Mexico last month where they lost two of their three games, the nine-time Africa champions have given fans something to hope for when the World Cup begins.

After beating Haiti 2-1 last Friday at Emir Sports Complex, Antalya in their first game at the exhibition, Randy Waldrum’s side followed that up with a faultless display against World Cup co-host New Zealand with captain Onome Ebi opening the scoring in the 34th minute.

Jennifer Echegini doubled the lead just three minutes after the restart of the second half before Desire Oparanozie made it three after her introduction into the game to ensure a comfortable win for the Falcons.

Fans were left buzzing after the game and quickly swarm social media to praise the team.

David Oku said, “Super Falcons played a good game. Some of their movements, interchanges and transitions were top-notched which was reflected in the final scoreline. I like the look of Ebi who was immense and Oparanozie scoring was nice to see. More improvement is needed. Congrats on the win.”

Oluwatosin added, “Great team effort, welcome back Oparanozie. You were really missed at the nation’s cup.”

While commending the team, a Twitter user Imhorla pointed out that the team still has work to do.

“Good performance I’m impressed we still have a lot of work to do going into the World Cup won’t be easy. We take everything one at a time.”

Abike wrote, “Well done girls, World cup left. Make us more proud than this because you are our only hope in Nigeria right now. I am really impressed and well done girls.”

However, Sanni Uthman believes Waldrum should be praised for his part in the team’s fine display.

He said, “I’m seeing all these positive comments now but none of them about the coach. Definitely our best performance so far under him. When they perform poorly, we criticise them. They’ve done well today, we should at least acknowledge him too.”

NgoLONG added, “An improved Super Falcons, kudos to the players and coaching crew; Randy especially. Hope Ngozi Okobi gets to start matches.”

Falcons have been paired with co-hosts Australia, Canada and the Republic of Ireland in Group B and will hope to make it past the group stage.